Strelitz- January 2024

ISSUE 02

JANUARY 2024

STRELITZ

IB® Transdisciplinary Theme: How We Organize Ourselves

Strelitz Magazine- January 2024 This quarterly publication is dedicated to the alumni, families, and friends of the Strelitz International Academy.

Our Team:

In this issue

2 Head of School’s Message

The Significance of Visiting Authors: Nurturing Young

3 Minds through Literary Encounters 6 Sharing the Chanukah Light

7 Friendsgiving: Building a Community 9 Strelitz Moments

Head of School: Heather Moore 11 Special Speakers & Professional Development Director of Advancement: Carin Simon Admissions and Marketing Manager: 12 The SIA Mitzvah Club Ally St. Pierre

14 Alumni Corner

5000 Corporate Woods Drive, #180, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 23462

International Academy Fall Festival 15 Strelitz Brings a New Community Event to Tidewater

17 Parent Volunteer Organization 18 Annual Donor Fund

Grandparents Day at the Strelitz International

Phone: (757)- 424- 4327 Website: www.strelitzinternationalacademy.org 1 January 2024

19 Academy

20 Arts in Action!

21 Upcoming Events 22 Flash from the Past!

Head of School’s Message

Heather Moore Dear Strelitz International Academy Community, As we come together to celebrate another successful semester at Strelitz International Academy, I am filled with gratitude for our resilient and supportive school community. This past year has brought its share of challenges, especially in light of the ongoing conflicts around the world, including the war in Israel. In these difficult times, it has been inspiring to witness the strength and unity within our school community.

Thankful for Our School Community Our community has always been a source of strength, and this year has been no exception. In times of uncertainty, the unwavering support and solidarity demonstrated by our students, parents, and staff have truly been a beacon of hope. We are grateful for the compassion, understanding, and resilience that each member of our community has shown, reinforcing the values that make Strelitz International Academy a unique and nurturing environment for learning.

Chanukah Family Celebration The spirit of celebration continues as we recently came together to commemorate Chanukah, a festival of lights and joy. Our Chanukah family celebration was a testament to the vibrant traditions that make our school community so special. It was heartwarming to see our students, teachers, and families come together to share in the festivities, fostering a sense of unity and community.

Upcoming Re-Enrollment for the 2024-2025 School Year Looking ahead, we are excited to announce the upcoming re-enrollment process for the 2024-2025 school year which begins February 1, 2024. We are committed to providing a high-quality education and a nurturing environment for your children.

Your continued trust in Strelitz International Academy is essential, and we look forward to welcoming our current students back for another enriching academic year.

Parent Satisfaction Survey March 2024 To further enhance our commitment to excellence, we are re-imagining our Parent Satisfaction Survey which will be released in March. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping the future of our school. We encourage all parents to participate and share their thoughts on their experiences with Strelitz International Academy. Your input will guide us in making informed decisions that benefit the entire school community.

As we reflect on the past semester and anticipate the semester ahead, let us continue to foster a sense of gratitude, unity, and growth within our Strelitz family.

Together, we can overcome challenges, celebrate successes, and create an environment where each member of our community thrives.

Thank you for being an integral part of Strelitz International Academy's journey. Here's to an exciting second semester of learning, laughter, and shared accomplishments.

Warm regards, Heather Moore Head of School

Strelitz International Academy 2

The Significance of Visiting Authors: Nurturing Young Minds through Literary Encounters

by Janet Jenkins, Primary Years Director

Authors possess a unique ability to transport readers to different worlds, spark imaginations, and inspire a love for literature. In the context of International Baccalaureate® Primary Years Programme (IB® PYP) schools, hosting authors can play a pivotal role in enriching the learning experience for students. These encounters go beyond the typical classroom setting, offering an immersive and personal connection to the world of storytelling.

Let’s explore the importance of authors visiting our school and the positive impact it can have on students' academic and personal development.

Inspiring a Love for Reading: Authors bring stories to life, creating characters and narratives that captivate the hearts and minds of young readers. When authors visit, they provide students with a tangible connection to the books they love.

Hearing firsthand about an author's creative process, challenges, and inspirations can ignite a passion for reading that extends beyond the classroom.

3 January 2024

Enhancing Language Skills:

By hosting authors with different

Author visits provide students

cultural perspectives, students are

with the opportunity to engage in

exposed to a wide range of voices,

meaningful conversations with

fostering an appreciation for diversity

professionals in the field of

and promoting cross-cultural

literature. This interaction helps

understanding.

improve language skills, including listening, speaking, and

Authors visiting IB® PYP schools offer

comprehension. Students can ask

a wealth of benefits, ranging from

questions, participate in

inspiring a love for reading to

discussions, and gain insights into

promoting cultural awareness and

the nuances of language use,

enhancing language skills. These

enriching their overall language

encounters go beyond the traditional

development.

classroom experience, providing

Encouraging Creativity and

students with a unique opportunity to

Imagination:

connect with the creative minds

Interacting with authors allows

behind the stories they love. As IB®

students to witness the creative

PYP schools continue to prioritize

process in action. Authors often

holistic education, the inclusion of

share insights into how they

author visits becomes a valuable

develop characters, build worlds,

component in nurturing well-

and overcome challenges in their

rounded, globally-minded individuals

writing. These experiences can

with a deep appreciation for the

inspire students to express their

power of words and storytelling.

creativity, fostering a love for storytelling and imagination that

Through the generous donations of

extends beyond the realm of

Libbie and Albert Kaplan*, the Janis

literature.

Lynn Kaplan Author’s Program fund

Promoting Cultural Awareness

was established in memory of their

and Connecting Learning to the

daughter. Janis loved reading more

Real World:

than anything, and the Kaplans

IB® PYP schools emphasize

wished to spread the joy of books

international-mindedness and

with our students. Each year, SIA has

cultural awareness. Authors from

a popular children’s book author

diverse backgrounds contribute

speak with our students about the

to a rich tapestry of stories that

importance of literature and to

reflect various cultures and

inspire our students to find their

traditions.

“inner author.” *of blessed memory

This year we are hosting two author visits. Recently, Steve Metzger returned to our school to share his experiences with our students and read some of his favorite stories. Our students love him, and he has been a mentor to some of our budding authors. Steve Metzger is the award-winning author of more than seventy children's books--including his new graphic novel -- The Bumble Brothers: Crazy for Comics, which was chosen by the Junior Library Guild as a Gold Standard selection. The latest Bumble Brothers' book: "The Not-So-Secret Clubhouse" arrives in October 2023! Steve's picture books include "Detective Blue" (starred review from School Library Journal), "Pluto Visits Earth!" (ABC Best Books for Children), and "The Way I Act," (Approved for Classroom Use by the California Department of Education). He lives in New York City with his wife, daughter, and Biscuit, a talkative cat. Visit www.stevemetzgerbooks.com. You can learn more about Steve and his love for writing in episode 9 of S.I.A.: The Podcast.

Erica Perl will meet with our students in the spring. Erica S. Perl is the author of more than forty popular and critically acclaimed books for children and teens. Her middle-grade novels include All Three Stooges (National Jewish Book Award, Sydney Taylor Honor Book), When Life Gives You O.J. (Sydney Taylor Notable Book), and the forthcoming White Bird: A Novel which she co-wrote with R.J. Palacio. Erica also writes picture books, early readers, and chapter books. She has received fellowships from the Virginia Center on the Creative Arts, the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, the Yiddish Book Center, and PJ Library. A former criminal defense attorney and ice cream truck driver (though not at the same time!), she now lives in Washington, DC. Visit ericaperl.com and follow @ericaperl on Instagram

Strelitz International Academy 4

5 January 2024

Sharing the Chanukah Light

by Rashi Brashevitzky, Judaic Studies Director Chanukah celebrates religious freedom and victory of light over dark. Students in Primary Years prepared for Chanukah by exploring the history of the holiday, exploring the concepts of standing up for what one believes in and the importance of freedom of religion. Students practiced the blessings for lighting the Chanukiyah and learned all about the miracles, traditional foods, songs and games of Chanukah. Classroom lessons came to life through role playing, writing, singing, music, art and more.

The emphasis in each classroom being to allow the students to experience the holiday in a very hands on and engaging fashion. Students' eyes opened wide, and smiles stretched across faces as students noticed the jumbo Chanukiyah made of balloons in the SIA lobby - and this was only the beginning of the festivities! Each afternoon, the Primary Years community gathered, together with rabbis from the community, to light the Chanukiyah. Students enjoyed latkes and applesauce in their classrooms and were delighted to be gifted with chocolate “gelt” and dreidel shaped ring pops. Students gathered for “cookies and cards” and enjoyed Chanukah cookies while designing Chanukah cards for area seniors. Primary Years parents joined in the fun at the PY Family Chanukah Celebration! Students and parents enjoyed playing Chanukah bingo, winning prizes, creating dreidels with Model Magic, and eating doughnuts. The event concluded with a menorah lighting complete with a performance by the PY students, who were outfitted with Chanukah head boppers! The last day of Chanukah was celebrated with class parties. The PY celebration of Chanukah was certainly filled with the love, light and joy of Chanukah!

Henry R.. and his mom with their clay dreidels.

SIA families came together to celebrate Chanukah.

Noa C. and her mom playing Chanukah BINGO!

Strelitz International Academy 6

Friendsgiving: Building a Community

by Elyssa Brinn, Early Years Director “What does it mean to be thankful?” Each of our 13 classrooms cooked a is a common question heard

dish to be served at our feast, which

throughout the Early Years hallway

was held on November 21. The

as the school year begins. This is

hallways began to smell like

typically related to the introduction

Thanksgiving, with dishes that

of the Modeh Ani prayer during

included cornbread, challah

morning Tefillah. The Modeh Ani

stuffing, apple crisp and more being

prayer truly resonates through

baked in our newly renovated Early

cultures and age levels because of

Years cooking center!

its widely shared message of being thankful for a brand new day each

Tables lined the hallway the

morning.

morning of the feast, and the entire program enjoyed the celebration

Developmentally, preschoolers and

together. Overheard at the tables

toddlers are hard-wired to think

were things like, “I like the pink stuff

and feel egocentrically. Being self-

(cranberry sauce) soooooo much!” ,

focused is natural for them, and

“Is this WHOLE plate for me?”, and

this understandably makes high

“The cornbread tastes really

level concepts such as gratitude

yummy!”

more difficult to grasp. Fortunately for SIA, our curriculum is concept

We collaborated with Jody Labstain

driven, and our teachers work

at JFS, and each classroom collected

diligently to instill these values and

food items connected with their

ideas very early on.

class’ recipe to donate to the food

Our EY4 classes packed all the items into wagons and carts and presented it to JFS, helping to stock the shelves and see the impact they made first hand.

This project was able to combine two of our core values seamlessly.

Kehillah, building community, and Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, are two of the most important values we want to instill in our children. We love how these acts of community and kindness empowered our students and gave them a true sense of how to make a difference in today’s world.

pantry. For example, the EY4 class During the Thanksgiving season, we who made fresh squeezed had the opportunity to learn about

lemonade for our feast collected

appreciating what we have and

different kinds of juice for “people

taking action for those less

who don’t have enough money to

fortunate. After all, teaching our

buy juice for Thanksgiving,” as

students (as young as infants) to

stated by one of our brilliant

share is one of the first values

students. He continued by telling us

which we convey. The Jewish value

that, “it’s so sad that some people

of giving tzedakah is deeply rooted

can’t have a feast like the one at our

in making sure that resources are

school, so we are sharing it with

shared justly. Extending on this

them.” The completed action

concept, the EY program

project yielded over 30

participated in their 3rd Annual

Thanksgiving meals for people in

Friendsgiving Feast, with an added

need!

action project this year.

7 January 2024

Joseph A. enjoying the feast at Friendsgiving.

Strelitz International Academy 8

1

2

3

4

Strelitz Moments 1. On October 5, 2023, SIA’s PVO hosted our annual

2. To recognize the holiday of Simchat Torah, we

“Breakfast in the Sukkah” event. Parents enjoyed

had a special guest join our Primary Years students

coffee, breakfast pastries, and great conversation.

in celebration of the Torah.

3. Early Years 4 student Aspen B. in the campus Sukkah 4. Benson C., Grayce B., Liana Y. and Sylvie L. represents participates in constructing an edible Sukkah in honor

SIA’s Student Government Association with the

of the holiday Sukkot.

Chanukah gifts the Early Years students collected for Jewish Family Service’s 31st annual Chanukah Gift Drive.

9January 2024

5

6

7

5.Early Years 2 student Cara T. paints in the new Early

8

6. Third graders Hadley K., Harper W., Ella G. and Avi

Years art studio during one of her specialty classes.

W. work collaboratively to find a solution to oil spills

7, Kindergarten student Jameson K. poses with his

8. Fourth grade students Grayce B., Calanit W. and

Gezerim (carrots) to reinforce the Hebrew letter

Zeeva C. wearing stars and moon apparel for a special

Gimel.

creation-themed Shalom Shabbat.

in their oil spill science lab.

Strelitz International Academy 10

Special Speakers SIA has welcomed many visitors this school year. Our faculty, staff and board are continuously learning!

Tom Purcell Wellness Director Simon Family JCC

Sandra Porter-Leon Director of Nutrition and Wellness The Neighborhood Harvest

Steve Metzger Bestselling Children’s Books Author

Debra Mayer, LCSW, CT Director of Counseling and Mission Services Jewish Family Service of Tidewater

Dr. Vinod Agarwal Director of the Economic Forecasting Project and Professor of Economics Old Dominion University

Michael Goldsmith Regional Security Advisor Secure Community Network

Michelle Fenley, LCSW Jewish Family Service of Tidewater

Professional Development Experiences Our educators have participated in diverse training activities beyond SIA.

11 January 2024

The SIA Mitzvah Club

By Anna Fox Burnette, SIA Parent Mitzvot and Tzedakah are at the heart of Judaism. As some of you may remember, the end of the 20222023 school year saw the beginning of the Strelitz International Academy Mitzvah Club. Over twenty families gathered at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront to pick up trash and help beautify our community coastline.

The Mitzvah Club was originally created to expose our students to a greater view of the community we all live in and to explore the needs that we can help fill across all sectors. With a focus on action, the club's purpose was rooted in identifying meaningful activities that allow SIA students to get hands-on with the good deeds and to be able to experience the answers to challenging scenarios, like supporting those that are without food and water.

First grader Lior C. decorating a honey jar for JFS of Tidewater to celebrate the holiday of Rosh Hashanah.

So far this year we have collected approximately 500 bottles of water for the Judeo-Christian Outreach Center. We also decorated and packaged honey jars and Rosh Hashanah cards to go into care packages for Jewish Family Service of Tidewater. There are more activities on the horizon, including support for the SPCA, and collections for winter coats and books.

If you are a parent looking to help support organizing activities, or if you know of opportunities that the Mitzvah Club can support, please reach out to apcornelius@strelitzacademy.org. Dates and activities for 2024 are being finalized over the holidays, and we look forward to having you join our efforts.

Second grader Mara G. and Third Grader Avery G. create Rosh Hashanah cards that were included in the care packages for JFS.

Strelitz International Academy 12

Community Involvement at Strelitz

Early Years 4 students Harper B. and Alex F. with the Virginia

Second grade students visit Operation Smile on October 12, 2023, as

Beach Police Department patrol horse on October 10, 2023.

part of their IB® unit, Who We Are. The second graders raised enough money to provide two surgeries through Operation Smile.

First grader and SGA member Jackson T. during October’s

Grade 2 students Elijah W. and Liam K. assemble supplies to be

Socktober fundraiser; 552 pairs of socks were donated to CHKD.

donated to IDF soldiers on October 15, 2023.

13 January 2024

Alumni Corner

SIA Alum Jonah Kass (‘21) Gives Back to SIA!

by Carin Simon, Director of Advancement Mazel Tov to Jonah Kass, SIA Alum

Jonah has been a wonderful leader

and current 7th grade student at

this fall, assisting with SIA’s Back to

Norfolk Academy on his Bar Mitzvah, School Meet & Greet, facilitating Fall December 2, 2023. For Jonah’s Bar

Festival Carnival Games, and serving

Mitzvah project, he could have

as an usher at Grandparents Day .

chosen from a number of worthy

Not only is Jonah involved in helping

causes, but we are honored that he

at SIA, but he is a regular at all teen

chose to give his time and a

events in the community including

generous gift to his Alma Mater -

the Simon Family JCC, Congregation

The Strelitz International Academy!

Beth El, and CTeen - Chabad of Tidewater. Jonah, his mom and

A few months before his Bar

siblings also spend their summers at

Mitzvah, Jonah reached out to the

Ramah Palmer each year.

SIA Administration with an email saying, “My whole life I have been involved with Strelitz, and would like to continue that involvement.” We were thrilled to have Jonah continue to help and be a role model for current SIA students including his

The Kass family volunteering at this year’s Strelitz Fall Festival.

Jonah’s parents have provided an amazing example with their involvement at the school. Aaron Kass serves on the Board of Trustees, and Melissa is a long standing Parent Volunteer Chair.

brother Micah (4th grade) and sister We love having our alumni return to SIA and work to maintain Alexa (Kindergarten).

connections with students long after they graduate.

The school provides a strong foundation to ensure that our students stay connected to the school and broader community. SIA Alumni support and leadership are vital to the success and future of the Strelitz International Academy and the greater Tidewater community.

Jonah Kass at his Bar Mitzvah on December 2, 2023.

We love to hear what our SIA alumni are up to! Please share with us by emailing astpierre@strelitzacademy.org.

To update your contact information for future mailings, simply scan this QR code.

Strelitz International Academy 14

Strelitz International Academy Fall Festival Brings a New Community Event to Tidewater

by Carin Simon, Director of Advancement For the past several years, the SIA Early Years program put on a festive “Falling into Shabbat” for the young students and parents to enjoy on a Fall Friday morning. This past October, the Strelitz International Academy put their resources together combining their signature Fall Event, with food, vendors, activity rentals, and live music to create a Fall Festival for the whole community!

As families walked through the Sandler Family Campus Cardo doors, they were greeted with a fall wonderland, complete with hay bales, pumpkins and scarecrows lining campus grounds. Admission to the festival gave children unlimited access to carnival games, pony rides, barrel train rides and so much more. The festival offered many activities for toddlers including SIA’s signature Diaper Derby in addition to fall crafts, pumpkin pounding, and sensory bins for the little ones to enjoy. Families enjoyed hot dogs and hamburgers fresh off the grill along with lots of parve treats including cotton candy, brownies and popcorn.

Current and former parents, faculty, and volunteers came out to help and support the festival with set up, check in and food sales while Middle and High School SIA Alumni and former students showed up to run the carnival games and see their SIA friends and teachers.

Crew and Quinn H. take a photo together at the pumpkin patch scenery.

Brad Bangel, current SIA Grandparent, Lonnie Slone, Kenny Berklee, and Lance Epstein of Fretomology added the live music which gave the event the perfect festival vibe along with the great fall weather.

Thanks to generous Fall Festival sponsors, the school was able to make the first annual event a successful fundraiser while also providing a wonderful way for families, students, alumni, and community members to come together for a fun afternoon. In addition to sponsorships, the festival hosted community partners and business vendors such as Camp JCC, Beth Sholom Village, Pj Library, Sharkeys Cuts for Kids, Virginia Business Systems, and more. Amazing raffle prizes, with items all donated by local businesses, were displayed in the pavilion. Winners were announced at the close of the festival.

Beyond the games, the food, and the festivities, the Fall Festival demonstrated the power of community. The Strelitz Fall Festival saw over 750 people come through the event which was beyond expectations. In such a difficult time for the Jewish Community, many attendees expressed their appreciation for having an event for families to enjoy together.

The First Annual Strelitz Fall Festival was a great success, and we look forward to next year’s Strelitz Fall Festival on Sunday, November 3, 2024.

Henry and Theo T. enjoy the fall-themed sensory table.

15 January 2024

Strelitz International Academy 2023 Fall Festival Sponsors Festival Sponsor North Beach Plastic Surgery: Dr. Richard Rosenblum, Dr. Alexander Sailon, Dr. Eric Jablonka, & Dr. Alexandra Tilt Pony Ride Sponsor Steve Dodge & Melanie Brown Petting Zoo Sponsors Heather & Doug Moore Deb & Peter Segaloff The Stockpot Declan L. enjoying the pony rides.

Vandelay Industries Ellen & Bill Wagner

Alexa and Micah K. riding the barrel train.

Amy & Eliot Weinstein

Carnival Game Sponsors Jennifer Waldholtz & Greg Antonucci Bill & Allison Carden Complete Medicine The Klebanoff Family MBCS, CPA PC Mid-Atlantic Dermatology Center, Dr. Michael Gross, MD Carin & Mike Simon Quinn M., SIA third grader with her face painted.

Universal Pest and Termite, Inc Virginia Business Systems

Raleigh A. participates in pumpkin smash.

Harvest Sponsors Anna Fox & Cameron Burnette Nicole & Aaron Glassman Jewish Family Service of Tidewater Lozada & Torres Families with the United States Navy Rocio Morales Susan & Eric Schwartzman Seeman Family Surge Adventure Park Callah & Brandon Terkeltaub Turner Family SIA Alum, Yael Haas (‘23) volunteers at the carnival games.

Wasserberg Family

Alex F. petting a pig at the Petting Zoo. Strelitz International Academy 16

Parent Volunteer Organization

by Nina Kruger, SIA Parent All of these events are put on through the school and Hey, you! Yes… YOU! Did you know that YOU are a part of the PVO?

with the help of any and all parent volunteers. Whether

The SIA Parent Volunteer Organization is just that…

organizing events, it is our job as parent volunteers to

Parents, or grandparents, (yes, even grandparents can volunteer!) volunteering their time and resources to better our school community. Maybe this means you are a Room Parent, attending various functions and helping your classroom teachers. Maybe it means you help collect items for a class party. Or maybe it means you simply reach out to a new student’s family and welcome them to our school. Hellen Keller once said, “Alone, we can do so little; together we can do so much!”

And the PVO is proof that no task or duty is too small to help improve our school and our community.

We, as parents or grandparents, are all asked to volunteer in some aspect of our lives. And more often than not, we feel obliged to say yes. It’s the right thing to do… right? Of course it is! But the PVO prides ourselves on not having to bombard everybody with an ask 24/7. Our hope is that parents and grandparents will find something that sparks their interest throughout the year and will dedicate some of their time to help with that project. And as rewarding as volunteering can be, one of the greatest gifts is seeing your child, or grandchild, absolutely LIGHT UP when they see you helping out around the school.

Throughout the school year, you will hear about various dinners, the Fall Festival, Chanukah Shop, Scholastic Book Fair and other fundraisers, and of course Teacher Appreciation!

17 January 2024

we are promoting the school, manning food tables, or set up the school and these events for success.

Those who TEACH, change the WORLD over and over again! In the past couple of years, the PVO has really tried to spend more time focusing on Teacher Appreciation. Thanks to PVO donations and a Wellness Grant from the Tidewater Jewish Foundation, our school has teacher lounges on both floors with fully stocked kitchens in order to provide quick, healthy snacks and drinks for our teachers.

At the end of each school year, we host a Parent Volunteer Breakfast. This is our time to celebrate YOU! As previously stated, no task is too small. We welcome ALL to join us for this breakfast, no matter what your contribution to our organization may look like throughout the year!

L’Shalom, Nikki Glassman, Kristy Foleck, Melissa Kass, Nina Kruger

Annual Donor Fund Dear SIA Community, As the last few months have unfolded, I have been lucky to come to SIA each day surrounded by a community of Jewish day school students who are steeped in a deep love of Israel, a love that is inextricably bound to their Jewish identity. In a world that now feels exceptionally dark, this pure love of Israel is apparent to me on a daily basis in the halls of our schools, from the early years students waving their Israeli flags as they sing Hatikvah, to the primary years students welcoming in our new Israeli family who joined us for a few weeks for wartime respite. Now more than ever, we must invest in Jewish day schools to provide our kids–our Jewish future– with the knowledge, the tools, and the pure and simple ahavat (love of) Israel that will empower them to go out and shout it from the rooftops!

The money raised benefits Strelitz International Academy in so many ways, including:

We need your support now more than ever. Please consider a taxdeductible donation to Strelitz International Academy today and support our 2023-2024 SIA Fund.

SIA’s enrollment continues to grow. Our students continue to experience the best academic IB® World School program. They are grounded in Jewish values and education to prepare them for lifelong learning and community leadership. Thank you for your continued support. As you can see, from the Strelitz Magazine, our school is thriving thanks to you - our many wonderful donors!

We raise funds each year to support our annual campaign to meet the school's operating expenses and guarantee financial sustainability. SIA depends on support from you - Parents, Alumni, Faculty, Trustees, and Friends in the extended community who believe in SIA's mission to develop compassionate, lifelong learners in a dynamic Jewish environment and to promote students’ social and global consciousness that encompasses a profound respect for all humanity in collaboration with the whole community.

Bridging the gap between tuition and the actual operating cost.

Allowing all eligible children access to an SIA education with our Flexible Tuition Program.

Supporting Professional Development and International Baccalaureate® training for SIA Teachers.

Maintaining our on-site School Registered Nurse, School Counselors and Student Support Services.

Providing the newest upgrades in classroom technology and so much more.

Please consider a gift today!

Carin J. Simon Director of Advancement

Choose one of the following options to donate to the 2023-2024 SIA Annual Fund: Mail a check to: Strelitz International Academy, 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Virginia Beach, 23462 Donate online: https://strelitzinternationalacademy.org/support-us/sia-fund/ Call and give your credit card over the phone: 757.424.4327 Email your pledge today Carin Simon: csimon@strelitzacademy.org, and we will send you an invoice to be paid by June 30, 2024.

Strelitz International Academy Life and Legacy Donors: Support Jewish education for future generations, by leaving your Jewish legacy today!

For more information about leaving your Jewish legacy, contact Carin Simon: 757-424-4327 or csimon@strelitzacademy.org.

Rachel Abrams Jasmine Amitay Anonymous Leslie Marcus Auerbach Brad and Babbi Bangel Marcia and Amos Berkovich Beth Hirsch Berman Levi and Rashi Brashevitzky Elyssa Brinn David Cardon Ronnie Lynn Jacobs Cohen

Leora and Nathan Drory Andie Eichelbaum Susan and Marty* Einhorn Cantor Wendi and Gigi Fried Barb Gelb Carly & Chen Glikman Laura and Keith Goldstein Carol and Ralph Greenhut Laura and Fredric Gross Susan & Howard Horwitz

Josephberg Family Erica and Scott Kaplan Melissa & Aaron Kass Alene and Ron Kaufman David Leon Jeff & Elayne Littman Matilsky Family Tanya Miller Heather and Doug Moore Alyssa and Jonathan Muhlendorf Erinn and Felix Portnoy Rona and David Proser

Miriam and Rabbi Arthur Ruberg Judy Saperstein Patti and Paul Seeman Deborah and Peter Segaloff Orit Amar Siederman Carin & Mike Simon Renee and John Strelitz Burle Stromberg Doris and Seeman* Waranch Kenny Weinstein Amy and Eliot Weinstein Ashley and Greg Zittrain *of blessed memory Strelitz International Academy 18

Grandparents Day at the Strelitz International Academy

by Carin Simon, Director of Advancement Each year on the day before Thanksgiving, SIA celebrates Grandparents Day! Grandparents are so important in the lives of our students. Many of our SIA Grandparents support the school all year, through giving to the SIA Fund, Annual Golf Tournament, and Fall Festival, or by attending events such as our Family Shabbat celebrations and Evening of the Arts. Their involvement and support make a big difference in the lives of their grandchildren and in the success of our school.

This year Grandparents Day included a special program with a student performance of This is The Hope, written by Jewish singer Rick Recht. Students sang with so much spirit and ruach while waving Israeli Flags to honor Israel.

The program was followed by engaging activities that grandparents and students could participate in together, in the classrooms and the Jaffe Gymnasium. The joyous revelry forged unforgettable memories for all who participated.

For the second year in a row, SIA was honored by the generous sponsorship of Beth Sholom Village, a testament to the school’s unwavering commitment to the community and intergenerational bonds. Jason Hoffman, representing the Board of Trustees of the Beth Sholom Village, was in awe of the turnout of 250 grandparents and special guests, filling the Fleder Multi-Purpose room to the brim.

A special thank you to our Grandparents Day Sponsors – The Beth Sholom Village, Sharon and Michael Grossman (in honor of their grandson Benjamin T.), Sharon and Michael Wasserberg (in honor of their grandson Noah B.) and all of the grandparents who were able to attend the special day. As the torch of knowledge and love passes from one generation to the next, the Strelitz International Academy cherishes the magic of l’dor v’dor, from generation to generation.

Noah B. with his grandparents Michael and Sharon Wasserberg

19 January 2024

Rebecca D. and her grandparents Lorraine and Blair Dunlap and Nancy Bangel

Lena A. and her grandmothers Rona Adler and Rosalie Aftel

Arts in Action!

Lead by art teacher Ms. Tiala Blocker, fifth and fourth grade artists used acrylic paint to explore how size, placement of objects, and changes in value and color work together to create the illusion of depth within a landscape painting. Throughout the process, each artist practiced using lines, spacing, and movement to build upon their understanding of background, middle ground, and foreground.

The artists also experimented with different brush strokes and painting techniques to convey different textures in the trees, sky, and foreground of their paintings.

Adam A., Fifth Grade Jaxon G., Fourth Grade

Zeeva C., Fourth Grade

“Sometimes a change of perspective is all it takes to see the light.”

- Dan Brown

Dalia P., Fifth Grade Strelitz International Academy 20

Upcoming Events

January 19- Strelitz Glow Run January 25- Primary Years Family STEAM Fair, 2:30pm February 1-15- Reenrollment February 7- 100th day of School February 9-Primary Years Family Shabbat, 1:45pm February 15- Evening of the Arts, Who We Are, 6:00pm February 23- Early Years Family Shabbat Sing-along, 9:00am

Scan here to access our 2023-2024 SIA School Calendar.

21 January 2024

Flash from the Past!

Can you identify anyone in the above photograph?

We need your help to identify the students, activity, and time frame for this photo! If you or someone you know recognize the people in the picture, please don't hesitate to contact us at astpierre@strelitzacademy.org with any information you may have.

Strelitz International Academy 22

5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 180 Virginia Beach, VA 23462

The mission of SIA: The Podcast is to offer thoughtful and inspiring parenting and educational podcast programming. We are committed to producing impactful podcasts that add value to conversations around education, student advocacy, and parental challenges.